Vinegar Hill

Rating:
Summary: Generation Gap
Review: At this moment, I'm about two-thirds the way through the audio-cassette and I have to admit there are times when I ask myself why I am still listening. However, this story is true to life as it relates to the time frame -- the early 70's. As I was reading the reviews, it became clear that the some of the readers who I assume are young, have no idea of the sense of entrapment married women from this era sometimes felt. It wasn't so easy to just walk away. In 1972 the women's movement was just taking hold and wives felt, for a number of reasons, that they had made their bed and now they had to lie in it. Young women, be grateful to the previous generation for the choices you have. I'm not saying divorce is always the answer and, of course, we should do everything possible to keep a marriage intact. But when it deteriorates to the point of our heroine, Ellen's, situation, then it's time to consider alternatives. At first I thought I was wasting time with this audio-cassette. Now I feel that I am witnessing a slice of life that was real and gives us food for thought, if, for no other reason, to stand as an example of what we as women have gone through to get where we are now. There is a lesson in this story.

Rating:
Summary: Now, I am really depressed
Review: I was really not in the mood for a depressing book when I started Vinegar Hill, and that is exactly what this book is, so perhaps my opinion is slightly biased. However, I ended the book fed up with the fact that there are some women that settle for ho-hum mediocrity in life and love, and was thoroughly depressed for not only Ellen, but her messed up family as well. I also, incidentally, wanted to yell at my significant other for anything he did that wasn't 100% nice due to the anger and frustration I felt upon reading the novel. It is well written and sends a message, but I think I would have been in a much healthier state of mind if I had only read the back of the book.

Rating:
Summary: Vinegar Hill
Review: I read the book hoping, as I turned each page, that things would look up. It was well written, kept my interest, but I would not recommend to anyone, as I found it so disappointing. Yes, reality can be depressing, but this was gross, too, and I found it a little unbelievable. I didn't feel it was worth my time, and there was nothing to gain from reading this book. It is a story of a pretty pathetic family, and although the main character, Ellen seems to have a brain, she doesn't seem to use it. At least not till the the end, and then you still are somewhat left hanging. Some depressing stories can make you feel grateful about your life. This is not one of those....It doesn't make sense that Ellen put up with it...the 70's just weren't like that.

Rating:
Summary: Our Third Reading Club Selection
Review: After reading through all the reviews, it amazes me that it seems half the people hated this book and the other half enjoyed it. True, I selected this book for my Reading Club based on the fact it was the Oprah selection (I do that club also), however I am happy I did select it overall. Our group had varying opinions of the book ranging from "hated it" to "really enjoyed it". Sometimes I think we tend to confuse "loving a book" by completely basing it on the story rather than taking into consideration the author's style, skill and the effect the story has. Ellen is a tough person to respect at times, and the other weak person's in her life do not make for a motivational tale. However, I know people like these ARE present in society. I think the author writes beautifully and I will be reading more of her works in the future.

Rating:
Summary: Reality Check
Review: Whether you like the way this plays out or whether you'd be friends with Ellen or hate Mary-Margaret doesn't matter - this book is a slice of real life. Civilized behavior is just a veneer. Some people lead crummy ugly lives with smelly problems. That's all. Life doesn't have neat beginnings, fascinating plot lines and sparkling endings. Sometimes it's just life. This author has written that message successfully and added, much to my delight, a slice of hope. It's a tough, intense read but worth it.

Rating:
Summary: GREAT READING
Review: THIS WAS A REALLY GOOD BOOK. EACH TIME I WOULD PICK UP THE BOOK I WAS IN HOPES THAT ELLEN WOULD REALIZE HOW MUCH OF A VICTIM SHE WAS ALLOWING HERSELF TO BE AND THAT SHE WOULD TAKE CONTROL OF HER OWN LIFE. AFTER I FINISHED THIS BOOK, I WENT TO THE LIBRARY AND CHECKED OUT ANOTHER OF HER BOOKS. I WILL CONTINUE TO WATCH FOR ANY NEW BOOKS THAT SHE MAY WRITE.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I can't imagine why this was an Oprah selection. It was an unappealing tale filled with flat, unlikeable characters. The plot did not flow. Numerous inexplicable things occurred. Why did the father give the farm to a hired hand when he had so many sons? Where did all these sons go? Who knows? It is one of many events that are never explained. A poor book.

Rating:
Summary: Hard to read.
Review: I can't believe I actually finished this book. The characters were totally dispicable and so was the story. There was no one to connect with in the whole book and it was too unbelievable. It was not a good Oprah pick - what a let down.

Rating:
Summary: Lame
Review: This book is a poor rendition of an overworked genre. It feels fake throughout.

Rating:
Summary: Strikes a chord! Wonderful!
Review: Judging from the reviews, this book strikes a chord! Vinegar Hill is a wonderful story that left me thinking. It was lyrical and intelligent while pondering issues of family and religion in an open and honest manner. Ansay is a master of the pen. Also recommended is Ansay's Midnight Champagne is a much lighter and equally satisfying read that looks at love and marriage with humor.